How often do crashes and fatal accidents happen in Connecticut?

Connecticut is a beautiful state with many sights to see. In the fall, people come from miles around to witness the scenery. All year long, tourists come to the state to relive the nation's history.

With so many people enjoying the scenic state, it's perhaps no surprise that there are many accidents here each year. The state itself has a population of 3,590,886. At least some of those people were involved in the state's 253 fatal crashes in 2015.

When it comes to deaths by population, Connecticut does fair well. It has approximately 7.4 deaths from car accidents per 100,000 people in the population. Compared to states like Iowa and Kentucky, which have similar population levels, it fairs the best. Iowa has around 10.2 deaths per 100,000, while Kentucky has 17.2.

When looking at the number of deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, Connecticut has .84 per 100 million. California has .95, and Illinois does as well. Overall, Connecticut does have a relatively safe driving record when compared to other states within the country. Despite that, it's important to look at the types of accidents in the state to know what needs to be prevented in the future. For example, Connecticut's car occupants made up 42 percent of the deaths that took place in 2015. Motorcyclists made up 18 percent, and cyclists made up only 1 percent. Looking at the numbers, it's car passengers who are disproportionately at risk of death.

Accidents aren't usually really accidents. There's a cause, whether it's speeding, recklessness or distractions. If you're hit, you do deserve the right to file a claim.

The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

*AV Preeminent is a certification mark of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories - legal ability and general ethical standards.